Alexandria Group to Hold Community Meeting Tonight on License Plate Reader Cameras
ALEXANDRIA, VA — A new Alexandria group is taking aim at Flock cameras and other automatic license plate readers—and it is inviting neighbors to join the push tonight at Burke Library.
“We demand ALX end all contracts with Flock and other automatic license plate reader companies!” DeFlock Alexandria says in announcing its first community meeting, set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14.
The group is bringing in Dr. Steven Keener, an assistant professor of criminology at Christopher Newport University who researches automatic license plate readers. Keener directs the university’s Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice Research and Policy and serves on the board of the Justice Forward Virginia Foundation.
License plate readers use cameras and software to scan vehicle plates. DeFlock Alexandria calls the systems “a digital dragnet,” saying they can collect location information and give government agencies and private companies broad power to track where people travel.
Tonight’s gathering launches the group’s local campaign. “Come and learn about what we can do together, as a community, to push back against these invasive technologies,” organizers wrote.
The meeting takes place in the Burke Library Meeting Room, 4701 Seminary Road. The room is on the building’s second floor; the first-level parking area has an accessible entrance button and elevator, and an outdoor ramp leads to a second-floor entrance. Masks are encouraged and will be available. Food is not permitted, though drinks in lidded containers are allowed.
For more information, contact DeFlock Alexandria at [email protected].
